Police: Teen killed trying to help sister during robbery

Andrew Murphy, 16, was a protective older brother who loved church, family and had a skilled ear for music.

On Thursday evening while at a park playing with his 14-year-old sister and friends, Andrew saw a man point a gun at his sister.

He did what any older brother would do - he rushed to protect her.

Phoenix police officers found Andrew shot in his chest near the restroom at Marivue Park, near Osborn Road and 55th Avenue about 7:30 pm Thursday, said James Holmes, a Police Department spokesman.

Andrew died at a local hospital that night, according to authorities.

"Andrew's heart was so incredibly big," said family friend Karisa Winston.

Police later arrested an 18-year-old man at the 5400 block of West Osborn Road on suspicion of first-degree murder, two counts of armed robbery and one count of aggravated assault, according to authorities.

The family took the news hard. But they didn't show anger or seek revenge.

Andrew's father gathered his family and told them that it was time to practice everything that they had learned as active members of Phoenix Beacon Light Seventh-day Adventist Church in Phoenix.

"He told his kids,'We must not only forgive the young man who took Andrew's life, we must love him too," Winston said.

Andrew's family also believed in investing in Christian education for their children. The family recently downsized and moved in with friends in order to afford private school for Andrew and his two sisters.

Andrew attended Thunderbird Adventist Academy and was roommates with Winston's 15-year-old son, Rhashaad Winston. The two were best friends and spent time with each others' families. Winston said that Andrew was part of her family.

"I treated him like a son and I never saw that boy complain, ever," Winston said.

The boys came home on their first four-day break from school on Thursday, the park visit a break from being at the boarding school.

Andrew was a junior deacon at his church, a member of the youth drama program and had recently served the food to the homeless as part of a community service project.

He was also talented at the piano and could pick up musical pieces just by listening to a tune.

He loved technology and his family would joke that if given the choice, he would choose purchasing the newest electronic device over a plate of food.

At the park that Thursday night, the sister he would give his life to protect rushed to his side after the shot rang out.

She heard him mumbling, but she was able to make out one word, his last word, "Amen."

There will be a candlelight vigil in Andrew's honor at the Marivue Park at 6:30 p.m. Saturday.

Funeral services are set to be on Sept. 23 at Beacon Light Seventh-day Adventist Church.

A fund is being set up in order to offset funeral costs. Beacon Light Seventh-day Adventist Church can be reached at 602-285-9391 for more information.